T-tube removal requires hospitalization depending on the patient’s condition. Hospitalization is not required if the bile duct is clear and free of stones, but it is required if stones are found left in the bile duct.
T-tubes are usually placed to drain bile after choledochotomy and stone removal. T-tube imaging can be done 10-14 days after surgery to see if there are any stones left in the bile duct.
If the bile ducts are clear and no stones remain, the T-tube can be removed about 4 weeks after the open surgery, and the removal time can be extended for laparoscopic surgery. In this case, outpatient removal of the T-tube is sufficient and does not require hospitalization.
If stones are found in the bile ducts, choledochoscopy and stone removal should be performed 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, after the formation of the fibrous sinus tract. In this case, hospitalization is required for observation.